2026 has only just begun, and the lineup is already as intense as it is diverse. Horror that expands cult universes, high-caliber literary dramas, animation for the whole family, futuristic thrillers, and comedies that hit close to home in all the wrong ways. Here are eight releases set to keep theaters buzzing and your moviegoing plans fully charged.
This new installment expands the universe created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, but with a chilling twist: the infected are no longer the greatest threat in a world where human cruelty proves far more terrifying than any virus. Starring Ralph Fiennes, the horror turns moral, political, and deeply unsettling.
The takeaway: Directed by Nia DaCosta, previously behind films like Candyman (2021) and The Marvels.
Set in the eccentric world of 1950s table tennis, this film starring Timothée Chalamet follows Marty Mauser, a young man determined to succeed in an underestimated sport. What unfolds is a journey through obsession, gambling, and ambition—hypnotic and self-destructive in equal measure.
The takeaway: Directed by Josh Safdie and featuring performances by Gwyneth Paltrow and Fran Drescher.
Celebrating their 85th anniversary, the world’s most famous cat-and-mouse duo return with an adventure that blends time travel, a golden city inspired by ancient China, and classic slapstick antics. Perfect for kids and adults alike, with equal parts humor, action, and nostalgia.
The takeaway: The film combines modern animation with the original spirit of the series.
Set during the summer following Argentina’s 2001 crisis, the film follows three teenage girls navigating desire, jealousy, and the supernatural. A dark coming-of-age tale where local magic and emotional violence collide in disturbing ways.
The takeaway: Based on short stories by Mariana Enriquez, it was the only Latin American film in the main competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
In the near future, a detective accused of murdering his wife has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence before an artificial-intelligence judge. A race-against-the-clock thriller that blends justice, technology, and ethical dilemmas.
The takeaway: Starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, the film fuses courtroom drama with high-voltage science fiction.
A standout local horror film telling the story of two siblings who seek refuge in an isolated mansion—only to discover their neighbors are hiding a criminal network as real as it is monstrous. Panic, vampirism, and extreme violence come together in a dark, tightly wound narrative.
The takeaway: Directed by Gustavo Hernández and starring Luciano Cáceres, the film was met with standing ovations at Sitges and won Best Latin American Film at the Mórbido Festival.
A retired professor’s quiet life falls apart when his daughter, amid a marital crisis, moves back home with her two impossible children. An awkward, everyday, deeply human comedy about relationships, exhaustion, and forced coexistence.
The takeaway: Directed by Gianni Di Gregorio, a key figure in contemporary Italian comedy.
Inspired by Konami’s iconic video game, the story follows James, a tormented man who returns to Silent Hill after receiving a mysterious letter from his lost love. Deformed creatures, guilt, and madness drive a terrifying psychological descent.
The takeaway: Following two cult films, this new installment is shaping up to be one of the major horror events of 2026.
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